Idaho/Eastern Oregon Onion business updates

On Sept. 1, American Produce Solutions LLC, near Dallas, plans to launch as a produce distribution warehouse, cross-dock and repacking facility.

The new company will handle product for Nyssa, Ore.-based Golden West Produce LLC and GW Farms LLC, the growing segment of the business, and goods from other shippers, said Troy Seward, owner and president of Golden West and CEO for ProSource Inc., the marketing entity that supports Golden West.

Seward said the new operation will supply about 15 loads of refrigerated cold storage capacity, Seward said.

Principals of the new company include ProSource executives Troy Seward and Corey Griswold and foodservice industry veteran Tommy Huffhines.

“Tommy’s son, T. Huffhines, will lead sales and operations as president and chief operating officer, with Susie Lacy as vice president and Marty Markert as controller,” Seward said.

“APS will stock onions from Golden West Produce and have capability to rework or handle produce from other grower-shippers. We look forward to offering a unique blend of services and solutions from the farm and our other related entities,” Seward said.

In addition, ProSource added Brian Davis to its sales staff.

Other improvements also have added value.

“Golden West has performed a full software and hardware upgrade to our MAF computerized onion sizer, and we expect to see even further advancements in sizing consistency and tolerances with this investment,” Seward said.